Handcycle Division

Handcycle Division

Handcycle (HC) is a competitive division open to athletes who are paraplegic, quadriplegic or double above-the-knee amputees, and race using a hand cranked cycle on the bike, and a racing chair for the run. Handcycle athletes must use a recumbent handcycle on the bike course and a racing wheelchair on the run course. Conduct and standards for handlers of HC athletes is governed by the International Triathlon Union Rules.

The HC Division is a competitive division. Race awards with respect to the HC Division will not be based upon age-groups within the HC Division but will be given to the top female and male finishers of the HC Division.

Handler Information:
A Handler acts as an aid for the swim start, swim finish, and transition but does not compete in any leg of the race. For more information, please see below the rules and guidelines on becoming a Handler. HC athletes are allowed up to two Handlers in the Handcycle Division.

Please see below for a list of Frequently Asked Questions below. For further inquiries, please contact the race specific email or

Securing Handlers shall be the responsibility of the Handcycle athlete and the Handler(s) must be identified as a Handler and wear the required credentials to be supplied by race personnel. Conduct and standards for handlers of HC athletes is governed by the ITU Paratriathlon rules.

IRONMAN reserves the right to seed HC Division athletes at the swim start of the Race (i.e., early start, late start, designated wave, etc.)

HC athletes may use wetsuits during the swim segment of the Race at any given water temperature.

Prior to the start of the Race, HC athletes must obtain prior approval from the Event Director with respect to all special requests related to swimwear and/or accessories to be used during the swim segment of the Race. Any change thereafter will be grounds for disqualification.

The use of snorkels is prohibited (DSQ). For our US events only, Snorkels may be worn due to a medical condition supported by documentation from a physician. Any athlete granted permission to use a snorkel will not be eligible for age-group awards and will not be eligible for IRONMAN World Championship slots or IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship slots. Please note that while we are allowing this usage during the 2016 season for our US events, beginning in 2017 snorkels will not be allowed under any circumstance for any IRONMAN or IRONMAN 70.3 event.

Race Officials reserve the right to reject any bicycle/handcycle not meeting IRONMAN’s safety standards.

HC Athletes are required to maintain control of his/her handcycle and to operate at a reasonable speed so as not to threaten the safety and well-being of aid station volunteers, spectators, the public, Race Officials, and other athletes. Operation of a handcycle in a dangerous or reckless manner will be grounds for disqualification.

An approved helmet is required during the entire bike segment of the Race (including in and out of the transition area). Any HC athlete riding without an approved helmet or chinstrap fastened will be disqualified.
RUN CONDUCT
Each HC athlete’s running conduct shall be consistent with Article VI of the IRONMAN Competition Rules.

An approved helmet is required during the entire wheelchair (run) segment of the Race (including in and out of the transition area). Any HC athlete riding without chinstrap fastened will be disqualified.